Four for the defence
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed four players, including an NFL veteran with 46 starts to his credit.
Kavell Conner played 78 games at linebacker over six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and San Diego Chargers, after being selected in the seventh round of 2010 NFL Draft. He spent time with the Baltimore Ravens in 2016, but was released last August. He has 328 defensive tackles and is also a solid special teams’ player.
According to sportrac.com, Conner has earned more than $3.8 million in his NFL career. Veteran players like Conner are due a higher minimum salary — in his case $775,000 US — sometimes making it more difficult for them to be signed.
A six-foot, 245-pounder, Conner will likely get a look as a middle linebacker or as a designated import who can back up starters Simoni Lawrence and Larry Dean, while helping out on special teams.
The team also signed American defensive ends Tyriq McCord and Denzell Perine, as well as national defensive back Tristan Doughlin.
McCord and Perine both spent time on the Ticats’ practice roster during the expanded period late last season and the team was impressed enough to being them back for a second look. Doughlin went to training camp with the Montreal Alouettes last season before returning to the University of Guelph. A physical safety, he has played in 26 games and recorded 133 total tackles, 11 interceptions, 14 pass breakups and one quarterback sack in four seasons. Given the Ticats start a Canadian a safety, Doughlin provides yet more depth at the position, while also contributing on special teams.